National Meals on Wheels day was celebrated on Wednesday, 25 August, recognising the outstanding contribution of wonderful volunteers, who ensure older Australians remain nourished and safe at home every day.

Locally, the day was given special importance thanks to the work done by Warrumbungle Community Care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warrumbungle Community Care not only provides the life-saving Meals on Wheels program, but staff are also responsible for transporting the vulnerable, providing social support, home maintenance, respite for carers and home care packages.

Meals on Wheels NSW CEO, Les MacDonald said volunteers had worked hard during recent uncertain times.

“National Meals on Wheels day recognises the outstanding contribution of our wonderful volunteers, who ensure older Australians remain nourished and safe at home every day,” he said.

“It has been an uncertain last 12 months, with bushfire devastation and now COVID-19.

“We offer gratitude and thanks to all our 35,000 volunteers in NSW, and the growing band of individuals and organisations that have come on board who continue to support us. Their efforts have made us stronger and more focussed than ever, and today we celebrate their contribution to our service.

“The volunteers that work with us make Meals on Wheels who we are today.

“Meals on Wheels would not exist without them and it certainly would not exist in the form that I would regard as acceptable in our community. I just want to say thank you to every single one of you.”